Cindy Steffen

A celebration of life for Cindy Steffen was held on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Prairie View Gospel Barn with Pastor Russ Grim officiating. Music was provided by Cindy’s children, recorded song, and Geoff Smith, accompanied by Colleen Murray, pianist. Peg Wendell, Sandy Smith, Rita Taggart, and Terri Bartling were in charge of registration, and flower attendants were Sandy Steffen, Sherri Steffen, Tam Sorenson, and Linda Whalen. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Cindy Kay Litzel was born in Rapid City to John and Mary (Pederson) Litzel on December 25, 1958, and was the youngest of five children.

Some memories shared about her childhood included when she got her first trike, and her dad had to put wood blocks on the pedals because her legs were too short to reach them. Her sister Cheryl remembers taking her to her first day of kindergarten, and she cried a lot. As she got older, she loved staying with her brother Jim and Aunt Ellie on the ranch riding horses. She kind of got left out being so much younger and was closer in age to her nieces and nephews.

When she was nine, her dad passed away. Soon after, she and her mom moved to Gregory, SD. Cindy was a good friend to all. She enjoyed cheerleading and hanging out with friends. When Cindy was just shy of graduating from high school, her mom passed away.

In 1976, she met Doug Steffen. To this union four children were born: Kiley, Katie, Kalissa, and JayDee.

Cindy loved her family, but she loved the Lord more. If she wasn’t talking about her family, she was sharing God’s word and praising His work. She taught Sunday School and Truth Trackers, singing old gospel hymns, and just loving and serving her Jesus.

Cindy loved being in the presence of people. From working in different roles throughout the community, she made an impact everywhere she went. About ten years ago, Cindy decided to work full time alongside Doug building fences. Maybe not her dream job but a lot of stories were made during their time out in the field.

In the last 16 years, Cindy fought through some major health complications.

This last year, Cindy showed us all how to fight hard and never give up. On October 9, 2023, Cindy didn’t lose the battle - she won.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Doug Steffen; her four children Kiley (Jake) Hiser of Gregory, SD, Katie (Dave) Lundy of Sioux Falls, SD, Kalissa (Matt) Steffen of Burke, SD, and JayDee Steffen (Callie DeMers) of Gregory, SD; grandkids Jayden (Makayla), Hannah, Shyanna, Awstyn, Maxton, Cohen, and Quinley; three brothers, Larry (Sue) Litzel, Jerry (Pepper) Litzel, Jim (Ann) Litzel; and sister Cheryl Willson; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents John and Mary Litzel, grandson Reece Trautwein, in-laws Dick and Jean Steffen, Brenda Lebahn, and Eleanor Litzel.